According to Adam Caplan on Twitter, Boise State defensive end Demarcus Lawrence has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

At the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine, Lawrence measured in a just under 6’3″ and weighed 251 pounds. He posted an impressive short-shuttle time of 4.31 seconds to go along with a 4.80 40-yard dash time that he lowered down to 4.69 at his Pro Day.

Lawrence is a classic tweener who would likely convert to outside linebacker if drafted by the Steelers next month. Lawrence is projected to be drafted in the second or third round.

We will post a full profile of Lawrence later on today.

The Steelers have brought in several players for pre draft visits that would potentially play outside linebacker if drafted.

I’m starting to see things a little more clearly, I think. If the two CBs are gone, Beckham will be the pick at 15 which I will be thrilled about. If things go similar to what Kiper predicts, there won’t be a value CB available at 46 so the focus will turn to OLB, with Lawrence, Van Noy and others being possibilities. The CB would then have to come in the 3rd, maybe Watkins or Desir or Gaines.

804Stiller

I could see a double dip at corner in the 3rd and 4th or 5th if we can’t get the one we want earlier. I wouldn’t mind Cockrell if he is still available. Beckham is growing on me at 15 too.

Toddy Bravo

I was wondering why we hadn’t heard about this guy being on the radar. He seems like a perfect candidate to convert to OLB from a physical standpoint. Rd 2 might be a little high to draft an OLB for my liking, but I’d get over that pretty quickly. I’m always up for bringing in good young pass rushers since they’re the stars of our 3-4 D. Plus, you never know when your OLB is going to come in to camp out of shape and injury-prone. (Cough…Woodley!)

Toddy Bravo

If Evans, Dennard and Gilbert are all off the board at 15, that’s the worst case scenario for me. In that event, we can still take the BPA (e.g., Lewan, Mosely), but it wouldn’t be a priority need. IMO, top needs are CB, WR, DE, RB, OLB, SS (in that order). Oh, and Watkins won’t be there at #97. He’s a late 2nd/early 3rd rounder. His 4.4 40 made certain of that. Desir and Rice probably wil be though.

Rob

How many players can the steelers bring in for pre-draft visits? 30?

StarSpangledSteeler

Sack-

That is how things are looking to me as well. I would love if we could draft a 1st round WR and a 1st round CB and a first round LB. But that’s not how it works. You have to look at where your value tiers are each round.

The CB’s expected to be available at 2.15 are not significantly better than those at 3.33. The LB’s however are a different story.

When I look at Jeremiah Attaochu and Scott Crichton and DeMarcus Lawrence and even Kyle Van Noy and Marcus Smith I see starting level talent. Possibly exceeding Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones. The fact that some of them could play ILB or OLB offers even more value.

As far as optimal round value vs need goes, it’s looking like

1st round WR – 2nd round LB – 3rd round CB

or

1st round CB – 2nd round LB – 3rd round WR/TE

(the problem with this scenario though is I think the 3rd round CB’s are better than the 3rd round WR’s comparatively. And fit our needs better.)

John Hinton

Yes but local school players don’t count against the 30.

Steve

Lawrence is not very impressive in this tape. Lets the OL get into his body too much. Does not use his hands well. Has a good Motor but must come outside in when playing OLB.

Steve

Woodley was in the best shape of his life last year (Per Butler), wheels just fell off midseason.

GoSteelerz

Finally, a player that looks like he has some potential. Get’s blocked a little too much and sometimes gets out of position. However, what I like is he doesn’t get pushed around a whole lot, when he is able to avoid or shed a block he can get in the backfield pretty fast, and he tackles pretty good. If he can get some moves and counter moves, he has the athleticism to be a good pass rusher. I hear there are some character issues, so all in all probably a late round pick. On this film at least, he appears to be worth a look…

RedCarpetDefense

For a 2nd rd pick how about guys who actually played the OLB position?
Kyle van Noy -playmaker on defense, gets turnovers, pick 6, sacks, can cover
Trent Murphy -tough against the run, lead the nation in sacks
Marcus Smith -same as Murph, 2nd in nation in sacks behind Murph
Jeremiah Attaochu
The tweeners may take a year or two to adjust to the nuances of a Steeler OLB and another year or two to “learn” the defense and gain the confidence of the coaches. With luck they’ll contribute productively their 3rd year.